What do you think?
Rate this book
Billingham Bastards #2
The Unclaimed Duchess
The life of a duchess has its ups and downs.
Betrothed at birth to the heir of one of England's loftiest titles, Lady Anne Danvers has been raised to run grand estates and host glittering parties. Which leaves her ill-prepared when her husband of one week rides off without a word, with no intention of returning.
Rhys Carlisle, Duke of Waverly, never wanted a love match—but he never dreamed he'd be abandoning his beautiful bride right after their blissful honeymoon. Alas, a terrible secret has shattered his world and he cannot face the truth...or the people he cares about most.
To entice back the husband she's long desired but barely knows, Anne will employ any means necessary—a surprisingly pleasurable proposition for them both. But the dangerous swirl of lies, deceits, and blackmail surrounding them merely grows stronger as their hearts grow closer, threatening to tear apart the passionate love affair they've only just begun...
Betrothed at birth to the heir of one of England's loftiest titles, Lady Anne Danvers has been raised to run grand estates and host glittering parties. Which leaves her ill-prepared when her husband of one week rides off without a word, with no intention of returning.
Rhys Carlisle, Duke of Waverly, never wanted a love match—but he never dreamed he'd be abandoning his beautiful bride right after their blissful honeymoon. Alas, a terrible secret has shattered his world and he cannot face the truth...or the people he cares about most.
To entice back the husband she's long desired but barely knows, Anne will employ any means necessary—a surprisingly pleasurable proposition for them both. But the dangerous swirl of lies, deceits, and blackmail surrounding them merely grows stronger as their hearts grow closer, threatening to tear apart the passionate love affair they've only just begun...
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 18, 2010
22 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Petersen
19 books226 followersJenna Petersen now writes historical romance exclusively as Jess Michaels. Please check out her self-published and Samhain publishing books here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jenna no longer supports her HarperCollins/Avon books due to price gouging and refusal to return author rights.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jenna no longer supports her HarperCollins/Avon books due to price gouging and refusal to return author rights.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 29, 2021
Short review.
This was average.
I liked the heroine, she was sweet but strong. And she stood up to the hero.
The hero's plot and storyline to me was a little over the top and overkill.
Story of a ton marriage that was beneficial to both. But she's loved him always. He was closed off and controls his emotions and feelings. After a shocking truth emerges about the hero he has a melt down and that changes the course of their marriage.
Somewhat steamy.
This was average.
I liked the heroine, she was sweet but strong. And she stood up to the hero.
The hero's plot and storyline to me was a little over the top and overkill.
Story of a ton marriage that was beneficial to both. But she's loved him always. He was closed off and controls his emotions and feelings. After a shocking truth emerges about the hero he has a melt down and that changes the course of their marriage.
Somewhat steamy.
July 28, 2012
I Loved this story, it was very well written, strong character development the story is about Rhys the Duke of Waverly and his wife Anne. This story was a change of pace for me because it was about a husband and wife and the characters are written, so the reader falls in love with both of them. They are facing a scandal that will destroy them if found out, Rhys wants Anne to divorce him, which is nearly impossible for the time period but of course she won't. Rhys is being blackmailed. Anne is young in age but she is one strong women who fights for her man and their passion for each other oozes of the pages. This is one very sensual hot sexy love story and what makes it unique is they are husband and wife. The two of them are perfect for each other. This book leaves you feeling Hopeful and Happy. The story is also a page turner. This is a keeper and will go on my re-read shelf. I Highly recommend this book. Thank You Ms.Petersen for giving us a H/H that fits the period of time and not one written for the 21st century.
July 2, 2024
I'm frustrated with H cowardice, he push away h until the end🙄
The h for me too strong and let the damn husband touch her even though he said he cant/ we need separate everytime after sex 🙄
The h for me too strong and let the damn husband touch her even though he said he cant/ we need separate everytime after sex 🙄
March 7, 2023
2 1/2 stars
Didn’t hate it won’t remember it
Didn’t hate it won’t remember it
August 27, 2012
3.5 stars.
I didn't realise when I read this book that it was part of a series and that I'd skipped the first one!
Anyway. I've got mixed feelings about it; on the one hand the premise was intriguing, that the rather repressed and haughty Duke of Waverly is in fact, a bastard, while on the other, it was a bit of a bonk-fest! Not that I have anything against bonk-fests - it was just that sometimes I felt that the sex-scenes were there to pad things out.
That said though, Jenna Petersen writes them very well indeed :-)
In terms of the actual story, I thought the relationship between Rhys and Simon was well handled. Rhys is clearly a stuffed shirt - although as the prologue shows us, he wasn't always that way - who has been brought up by his autocratic "father" to believe that his position in society and reputation are all important, and that anyone below his own rank is a lesser being. Simon Billingham is the closest thing to a friend he has, and even though there is a lot of tension between them at times, it's obvious that there is a great deal of mutual respect between them.
This, then, is the story of how Rhys proposes to deal with the prospect of his illegitimacy becoming known by the "ton" and society at large due to the work of a blackmailer. He decides he wants to fess up himself rather than submit to blackmail; doing so will mean riducule and censure, and even though he will retain his title, his social standing will be decimated. He therefore decides that he and his wife, Anne, must separate, to spare her as much of the scandal as possible. This is typical of him - he makes decisions without reference to others; Anne has no choice in the matter.
But she's having none of it, and insists that she wants to stay with him. Lots of sex ensues ;-), although we're talking "everything but" here, as Rhys is determined to make sure Anne doesn't become pregnant as this will make it impossible for them to separate.
Eventually, however, he realises how much he needs her, and joins forces with Simon to track down the blackmailer and hatch a plan to squash him and his dastardly plot! And in fact, this is one of the best parts of the story.
I liked the way that Rhys changed throughout the book. We get a glimpse of him as a boy in the prologue, where it's made clear that he was kind and honourable, and had the potential to become a warm and decent man. Not long after that, however, his "father" took charge of his upbringing and turned him into the cold, haughty man we meet at the beginning of the story proper. But by the end of the book, he's on the way to becoming the man he should have become.
Anne has been in love with Rhys for as long as she can remember, although has never let him know - he's far too "proper" to want to be encumbered with protestations of affection! She seems, at the start to be a bit spineless, but it becomes quickly apparent that she's strong-willed and determined as she insists on staying with Rhys, even though he keeps trying to send her away. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to let him stew in his own misery, but bit by bit, she got under his skin until she made him realise he couldn't live without her, and that he'd need to change his plan of action so they could stay together.
Overall then, I enjoyed the book, even though I thought it was a bit light on the plot.
I didn't realise when I read this book that it was part of a series and that I'd skipped the first one!
Anyway. I've got mixed feelings about it; on the one hand the premise was intriguing, that the rather repressed and haughty Duke of Waverly is in fact, a bastard, while on the other, it was a bit of a bonk-fest! Not that I have anything against bonk-fests - it was just that sometimes I felt that the sex-scenes were there to pad things out.
That said though, Jenna Petersen writes them very well indeed :-)
In terms of the actual story, I thought the relationship between Rhys and Simon was well handled. Rhys is clearly a stuffed shirt - although as the prologue shows us, he wasn't always that way - who has been brought up by his autocratic "father" to believe that his position in society and reputation are all important, and that anyone below his own rank is a lesser being. Simon Billingham is the closest thing to a friend he has, and even though there is a lot of tension between them at times, it's obvious that there is a great deal of mutual respect between them.
This, then, is the story of how Rhys proposes to deal with the prospect of his illegitimacy becoming known by the "ton" and society at large due to the work of a blackmailer. He decides he wants to fess up himself rather than submit to blackmail; doing so will mean riducule and censure, and even though he will retain his title, his social standing will be decimated. He therefore decides that he and his wife, Anne, must separate, to spare her as much of the scandal as possible. This is typical of him - he makes decisions without reference to others; Anne has no choice in the matter.
But she's having none of it, and insists that she wants to stay with him. Lots of sex ensues ;-), although we're talking "everything but" here, as Rhys is determined to make sure Anne doesn't become pregnant as this will make it impossible for them to separate.
Eventually, however, he realises how much he needs her, and joins forces with Simon to track down the blackmailer and hatch a plan to squash him and his dastardly plot! And in fact, this is one of the best parts of the story.
I liked the way that Rhys changed throughout the book. We get a glimpse of him as a boy in the prologue, where it's made clear that he was kind and honourable, and had the potential to become a warm and decent man. Not long after that, however, his "father" took charge of his upbringing and turned him into the cold, haughty man we meet at the beginning of the story proper. But by the end of the book, he's on the way to becoming the man he should have become.
Anne has been in love with Rhys for as long as she can remember, although has never let him know - he's far too "proper" to want to be encumbered with protestations of affection! She seems, at the start to be a bit spineless, but it becomes quickly apparent that she's strong-willed and determined as she insists on staying with Rhys, even though he keeps trying to send her away. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to let him stew in his own misery, but bit by bit, she got under his skin until she made him realise he couldn't live without her, and that he'd need to change his plan of action so they could stay together.
Overall then, I enjoyed the book, even though I thought it was a bit light on the plot.
January 4, 2011
This was another excellent read from Jenna Peterson. We get the story of the stuck up, proud Rhys Carlisle, Duke of Waverly, and his betrothed from birth wife Lady Anne. Upon arriving home from their honeymoon, their neighbor and friend, Simon delivers some devastating news to Rhys that makes him take off immediately without even a goodbye to Anne. Anne is devastated and sets out to find out where her husband is and makes Simon tell her of the one place Rhys used to go as a child that made him happy. Anne heads to the small countryside cottage, surprising Rhys who orders her to leave. She refuses as she can see he is in deep pain but he will not confide in her. Then Rhys deals Anne the news that they must divorce, but will not tell her why, and therefore they can not risk getting Anne pregnant.
Now, Anne has been in love with Rhys ever since they were children and he protected her from his friends and she refuses to listen to Rhys and sets about trying to seduce him and praying to keep her marriage real. Rhys and Anne spend ten wonderful, passionate (hot!) days together and Rhys slowly lets down his tough guard that has been installed in him from his father. After all, nothing is more important than bloodlines.... Rhys late father had installed in him how to be a proper, cold duke and that they are more important than everyone else. So it was wonderful to see Anne slowly chip away at some of that stubborn pride and remind him of that a caring duke can do great things for others as well.
Unfortunately, Anne and Rhys must return home to London and Rhys is still intent on his plans to separate from Anne, still not telling her his secret. When he finally reveals all to her, her love continues strong for him but she grows angry at his continual dismissal of their marriage and future together. When a blackmailer threatens to expose all, she fears she has lost him forever. The ending was very pleasant and resolved the situations nicely I thought. The epilogue once again led up to what should be another excellent book in this series. I loved how Anne stayed strong and finally broke down Rhys barriers with her love and I can not wait to read more from Ms Petersen. 4 stars
Now, Anne has been in love with Rhys ever since they were children and he protected her from his friends and she refuses to listen to Rhys and sets about trying to seduce him and praying to keep her marriage real. Rhys and Anne spend ten wonderful, passionate (hot!) days together and Rhys slowly lets down his tough guard that has been installed in him from his father. After all, nothing is more important than bloodlines.... Rhys late father had installed in him how to be a proper, cold duke and that they are more important than everyone else. So it was wonderful to see Anne slowly chip away at some of that stubborn pride and remind him of that a caring duke can do great things for others as well.
Unfortunately, Anne and Rhys must return home to London and Rhys is still intent on his plans to separate from Anne, still not telling her his secret. When he finally reveals all to her, her love continues strong for him but she grows angry at his continual dismissal of their marriage and future together. When a blackmailer threatens to expose all, she fears she has lost him forever. The ending was very pleasant and resolved the situations nicely I thought. The epilogue once again led up to what should be another excellent book in this series. I loved how Anne stayed strong and finally broke down Rhys barriers with her love and I can not wait to read more from Ms Petersen. 4 stars
August 17, 2010
Instead of the usual, boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, get married and live HEA, this book, which I read as an Advanced Reader's e-Proof, has a Prologue in which the six-year-old girl and the twelve-year-old boy meet, knowing that they are betrothed. Then Chapter 1 starts after their honeymoon, twenty years later. Lady Anne Danvers has loved Rhys Carlisle, Duke of Waverly since she was a little girl (i.e., since the Prologue) and despairs of Rhys' feelings, or lack thereof, for her. She's a sympathetic character and rather feisty underneath her soft demureness. For the most part, Rhys is unemotional and a snob, thanks to his deceased father's influence. Rhys' good friend Simon Crathorne, Duke of Billingham (hero of "What the Duke Desires") tells him that they are half-brothers and that there's a blackmailer out to ruin all their lives, especially Rhys'. Rhys takes off and Anne, showing some backbone, forces Simon to tell her where Rhys went. So, instead of being the proper Duke and Duchess of Waverly, they get to bond in a seaside cottage with just the two of them. Rhys, in protecting Anne, refuses to tell her what the problem is and refuses to make love to her in order not to father a child (leading to hot non-penetration sex scenes including an outdoors 69). Still, this legitimacy revelation and Anne's influence do change Rhys for the better, now that he has to look at people through Anne's eyes. The issues are: Anne needs to be told of Rhys' paternal problem (so that Rhys can learn to trust her love) and the blackmailer needs to be faced (which presents yet another chance at character-building for Rhys). In the end, Rhys' resolution is good and compassionate; it really illustrates his change from the beginning of the book (although I'm still bloodthirsty enough to want the blackmailer silenced before spilling the secret). Yes, another truculent, stiff-necked man made better by the love of a good woman who has faith in him. A good read.
August 7, 2017
Seeing Rhys in the first book of the series, I was interested in his character and subsequently this story but it failed to live up to my expectations. Rhys wasn't as interesting as I thought he would be and the heroine though was better wasn't enough to hold my attention. The plot dragged out and the ending was quite predictable. Still, an ok read.
August 27, 2017
Maybe a 3.5? Not a horrible book but not enough plot to justify the length. Too many chapters of the characters feeling tormented but the plot not moving forward. It definitely becomes tedious.
February 4, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the plot and how the character of the Rhys developed.
September 27, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
June 16, 2012
I actually wasn't expecting the Duke of Waverly, Rhys Carlisle to be one of the Billingham bastards. He was just so snobby and arrogant, so like his predecessor, that it took me by surprise when the truth came out in the first book. Despite the repercussions that happened after Rhys found out, i'm glad he is one of Billingham's illegitimate sons because his snobbery and arrogance never would have changed if not for that. The truth helped him realize how useless blood and title really are when compared to having Anne's love. It grated on my nerves though how he went on and on about not being good enough for Anne because of his birth. I was also annoyed at how he kept on avoiding her and claiming that he was doing it only to protect her. Don't get me wrong, I did understand his line of thinking but i just happen to agree with Anne's deduction that Rhys was being a coward instead of being selfless. In the end, i was extremely pleased that he got over his obsession of titles and bloodlines and was brave enough to finally fight for Anne's love back.
Anne Carlisle is one admirable girl. She has nursed her one-sided feelings for Rhys for almost two decades, hoping that he would someday return those feelings. Loving someone like Rhys was truly admirable not to mention frustrating because he doesn't deserve it at all. He was too engrossed with birthright, bloodlines and social standing and although he was a loyal friend, Rhys isn't one who easily succumbs to love and passion. In short, the guy was an arrogant snob, and Anne, having pure feelings for him is truly mind boggling. But then, that just proves that she is perfect for Rhys because even at the tender age of 6, she was the only one who saw something more beneath that arrogant snobbery, something worth loving. And that is what makes this girl truly admirable.
“Yes. You are. I love you, Rhys. Nothing has ever changed my heart, perhaps nothing ever will, even this. But if you are so willing to throw away the life we could have together..if you are so willing to throw me away after all the times I’ve proven my self to you..then perhaps you don’t deserve me after all. And that has nothing to do with the blood that pumps through your veins or the name you call your self."
All in all, another great book by Jenna Petersen. Although i wasn't able to fully connect with her writing, (which i guess is partly my fault since i've been too busy lately), her characters are very interesting and very easy to love. Again, i applaud the author for delivering us another heart-warming book. And for teaching us that social standing is nothing compared to loving and being loved. :)
Anne Carlisle is one admirable girl. She has nursed her one-sided feelings for Rhys for almost two decades, hoping that he would someday return those feelings. Loving someone like Rhys was truly admirable not to mention frustrating because he doesn't deserve it at all. He was too engrossed with birthright, bloodlines and social standing and although he was a loyal friend, Rhys isn't one who easily succumbs to love and passion. In short, the guy was an arrogant snob, and Anne, having pure feelings for him is truly mind boggling. But then, that just proves that she is perfect for Rhys because even at the tender age of 6, she was the only one who saw something more beneath that arrogant snobbery, something worth loving. And that is what makes this girl truly admirable.
“Yes. You are. I love you, Rhys. Nothing has ever changed my heart, perhaps nothing ever will, even this. But if you are so willing to throw away the life we could have together..if you are so willing to throw me away after all the times I’ve proven my self to you..then perhaps you don’t deserve me after all. And that has nothing to do with the blood that pumps through your veins or the name you call your self."
All in all, another great book by Jenna Petersen. Although i wasn't able to fully connect with her writing, (which i guess is partly my fault since i've been too busy lately), her characters are very interesting and very easy to love. Again, i applaud the author for delivering us another heart-warming book. And for teaching us that social standing is nothing compared to loving and being loved. :)
August 20, 2010
From the moment he was born, Rhys Carlisle, the Duke of Waverly, knew the path his life would take. Promised as a child to marry Anne Danvers who was being groomed to be the perfect duchess. He was taught that being a duke means that your station is above all others. Everyone else is lower class and not worth spending time with. And that's how he lived his life, not playing with children of the lower ranks, making sure Anne acted as a lady and treating her as such in bed, and only forming associations with those of a similar rank. Until the day his best friend Simon turns his world upside down and reveals him to be a bastard. He and Simon are now brothers in blood and must figure out a way to deal with a blackmailer before their lives are ruined.
This was a wonderful story with a very likable couple. Anne is extremely strong-willed and will stand by her man no matter what. Upon learning his true parentage, Rhys runs and hides in his country estate. Anne runs after him and uses her womanly wiles to assure him he's not alone. It causes him to see her in a different light and it's during this time that he falls in love with his wife. Rhys also undergoes changes. He reacquaints himself with the people of the village that he was friends with before his birth father forced him into being the stereotypical duke. He commiserates with another displaced nobleman that he once shunned. His eyes are finally opened as to what being a real duke means and it's very heart-warming to see. The reveal of the villain and their final confrontation isn't overly exciting, but the character's reactions to him really drive this story. The villain brings out emotions Rhys never knew he had and Rhys becomes more likable because of the blackmail.
This is the second book in The Billingham Bastards series with the next installment being about the displaced nobleman Rhys meets. Reading the previous book is not contingent on enjoying this one. While reading this I never felt left out or lost. It was a wonderful story about love and redemption and I highly recommend it. And with an intriguing reveal at the end of this story, the next installment should be very thrilling and I look forward to its release.
This was a wonderful story with a very likable couple. Anne is extremely strong-willed and will stand by her man no matter what. Upon learning his true parentage, Rhys runs and hides in his country estate. Anne runs after him and uses her womanly wiles to assure him he's not alone. It causes him to see her in a different light and it's during this time that he falls in love with his wife. Rhys also undergoes changes. He reacquaints himself with the people of the village that he was friends with before his birth father forced him into being the stereotypical duke. He commiserates with another displaced nobleman that he once shunned. His eyes are finally opened as to what being a real duke means and it's very heart-warming to see. The reveal of the villain and their final confrontation isn't overly exciting, but the character's reactions to him really drive this story. The villain brings out emotions Rhys never knew he had and Rhys becomes more likable because of the blackmail.
This is the second book in The Billingham Bastards series with the next installment being about the displaced nobleman Rhys meets. Reading the previous book is not contingent on enjoying this one. While reading this I never felt left out or lost. It was a wonderful story about love and redemption and I highly recommend it. And with an intriguing reveal at the end of this story, the next installment should be very thrilling and I look forward to its release.
February 26, 2011
Jenna Peterson has captured a startling snapshot of what it meant to grow up titled in Regency England. When little boys were taught that title, breeding, and fortune are everything, and life without them isn’t worth living. I was captivated by the characters right away, and read it straight through to the end without stopping. I felt Rhys’s fear, self-doubt, and self-loathing. And I felt Anne’s love and hope and heartache. Truly a remarkable love story with a touch of naughtiness.
Rhys Carlisle was one such boy. Up until the age of thirteen, he made friends with titled and commoner alike. But when Rhys turned thirteen, his father decided it was time Rhys learned what it meant to “follow in his footsteps,” and he learned the lesson very well indeed. Perhaps too well.
His arrogance, snobbery, and general lack of compassion were legendary. But underneath it all, Anne knew there lurked a good and honest man. So when Rhys’s best friend, Simon Crathorne, Duke of Billingham, shared bad news with him the day they returned from their honeymoon, he was shaken to his very core. He questioned every principle, every truth he’d known and found himself lacking. So he ran away.
Worried sick over her missing husband, Anne discreetly searches for him without luck. Finally, Simon provides a clue to his whereabouts and transportation to get her there, but refuses to tell her why Rhys fled in the first place.
Raised to defer to her husband in all matters, Anne must learn to assert herself if she’s to save her marriage. Under her loving guidance, Rhys learns the real truths of life – love, friendship, and compassion for his fellow man. But that’s not enough for him to share his shameful secret with her. What’s worse, he plans to separate from her when they return to London. He’s convinced himself that’s the only way to save her from the savagery of the ton.
An intriguing story you won't want to miss.
Rhys Carlisle was one such boy. Up until the age of thirteen, he made friends with titled and commoner alike. But when Rhys turned thirteen, his father decided it was time Rhys learned what it meant to “follow in his footsteps,” and he learned the lesson very well indeed. Perhaps too well.
His arrogance, snobbery, and general lack of compassion were legendary. But underneath it all, Anne knew there lurked a good and honest man. So when Rhys’s best friend, Simon Crathorne, Duke of Billingham, shared bad news with him the day they returned from their honeymoon, he was shaken to his very core. He questioned every principle, every truth he’d known and found himself lacking. So he ran away.
Worried sick over her missing husband, Anne discreetly searches for him without luck. Finally, Simon provides a clue to his whereabouts and transportation to get her there, but refuses to tell her why Rhys fled in the first place.
Raised to defer to her husband in all matters, Anne must learn to assert herself if she’s to save her marriage. Under her loving guidance, Rhys learns the real truths of life – love, friendship, and compassion for his fellow man. But that’s not enough for him to share his shameful secret with her. What’s worse, he plans to separate from her when they return to London. He’s convinced himself that’s the only way to save her from the savagery of the ton.
An intriguing story you won't want to miss.
August 12, 2010
Actually, I rate it a 4.5.
Ann Danvers has been betrothed to Rhys Carlisle, the Duke of Waverly, since they were children. This arranged marriage means more than that to Ann , because she has loved Rhys since she first met him. Unfortunately, a secret about Rhys' family threatens their marriage and their happiness.
THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS is an enjoyable historical romance, which focuses on the relationship between Rhys and Ann and could almost be considered a cabin romance, even though they are in a cottage. Rhys, who was raised by an emotionally distant man, is something of a snob, who was taught to uphold the superiority of his bloodlines. Because of his upbringing, Rhys keeps his emotions in check and steers clear of scandal. When a secret is revealed to him, Rhys has an identity crisis and flees London and his very new marriage. Ann, who has been brought up to be a proper duchess, makes a momentous decision and follows Rhys, in order to fight for her marriage. Ann is a wonderful heroine, who is warm, compassionate, determined, and strong. The growth of Rhys' character is wonderful to see-- it is almost Darcy-like.
Overall, THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS is an entertaining read, which I recommend. However, sticklers for historical accuracy may find the dialogue a little too modern for their tastes.
Ann Danvers has been betrothed to Rhys Carlisle, the Duke of Waverly, since they were children. This arranged marriage means more than that to Ann , because she has loved Rhys since she first met him. Unfortunately, a secret about Rhys' family threatens their marriage and their happiness.
THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS is an enjoyable historical romance, which focuses on the relationship between Rhys and Ann and could almost be considered a cabin romance, even though they are in a cottage. Rhys, who was raised by an emotionally distant man, is something of a snob, who was taught to uphold the superiority of his bloodlines. Because of his upbringing, Rhys keeps his emotions in check and steers clear of scandal. When a secret is revealed to him, Rhys has an identity crisis and flees London and his very new marriage. Ann, who has been brought up to be a proper duchess, makes a momentous decision and follows Rhys, in order to fight for her marriage. Ann is a wonderful heroine, who is warm, compassionate, determined, and strong. The growth of Rhys' character is wonderful to see-- it is almost Darcy-like.
Overall, THE UNCLAIMED DUCHESS is an entertaining read, which I recommend. However, sticklers for historical accuracy may find the dialogue a little too modern for their tastes.
August 27, 2018
The life of a duchess has its ups and downs. Betrothed at birth to the heir of one of England's loftiest titles, Lady Anne Danvers has been raised to run grand estates and host glittering parties. Which leaves her ill-prepared when her husband of one week rides off without a word, with no intention of returning. Rhys Carlisle, Duke of Waverly, never wanted a love match—but he never dreamed he'd be abandoning his beautiful bride right after their blissful honeymoon. Alas, a terrible secret has shattered his world and he cannot face the truth . . . or the people he cares about most. To entice back the husband she's long desired but barely knows, Anne will employ any means necessary—a surprisingly pleasurable proposition for them both. But the dangerous swirl of lies, deceits, and blackmail surrounding them merely grows stronger as their hearts grow closer, threatening to tear apart the passionate love affair they've only just begun . . .
July 3, 2011
This was the first book by Jenna Petersen that I've read and I will definitely be reading more of her books. The Unclaimed Duchess was a wonderful - and surprisingly sexy - story of a girl who loves her Duke, but her Duke won't bang her. So she devises plot after plot to get him to DO HER, DAMNIT. It's actually much better than I make it sound. It could have so easily been basically historical erotica, but it avoided that with a genuine storyline (meaning the plot was complex and believable) and wonderful characters (I really did like Anne - she seemed fully dimensional).
Very solid book - I recommend it.
Very solid book - I recommend it.
May 28, 2012
Unusual in that this story begins after a newlywed couple's honeymoon and how their world is shattered when our hero finds out he is a bastard. Raised as a child to be overly superior, arrogant, and mindful of class distinction, Rhys undergoes a character transformation as he grapples with his origins and what that means for his role in society. Anne, who has loved Rhys since they were children, struggles with the pain of unrequited love, a secret her husband refuses to share with her, and the almost certainty of a marital separation. Personal growth, high emotion, and great sex makes this an enjoyable read. 3.8 stars
July 20, 2011
I'd give this one 4 1/2 stars. I wasn't expecting to like the hero quite so much (despite my adoration for the name Rhys), but he ended up being very endearing. Anne is a terrific heroine, very likeable, intelligent and patient. I have to admit I don't really like drama that's all tied to social standing, but while I think it's ridiculous, I do understand that it would have been a big hairy deal back in the day. I read this one cover to cover without feeling like I wanted to skim any of it (which has been happening to me a lot lately).
August 16, 2011
Delightful! The Unclaimed Duchess by Jenna Petersen is the second book in the Billingham Bastard series and more pieces of the puzzle come to light. There is nothing better than a hero that has personal demons coming out of his shell. Rhys Carlisle is a complete jerk at the beginning of this book, but all that changes and he truly becomes all sorts of great. Anne's love for Rhy has no bounds, she will deal with all his faults for the man that she loves and know exist below the surface.
September 9, 2010
I give this book a 3 1/2 stars
I really liked the heroine in this book. The hero I had some problems with but by the end of the book he was much improved. Of course the love scenes were very good. This was not one of Jenna's best stories but all and all I did enjoyed it.
I really liked the heroine in this book. The hero I had some problems with but by the end of the book he was much improved. Of course the love scenes were very good. This was not one of Jenna's best stories but all and all I did enjoyed it.
December 14, 2012
Well this book wasn't as good as the first but still it was good. I really liked Anne and how she stood up for herself. Although I would have left Rhys earlier than she did. But in the end Rhys did what he should have done in the beginning.
April 7, 2015
To be honest, I found the writing a bit juvenile, I had no connection whatsoever to our hero, Rhys and wished that Anne would have pushed him off the cliff in the second chapter. Would have saved me a lot of bother :P
June 19, 2010
4.5 stars out of 5 (full review to come)
September 4, 2010
Loved this book. Can't wait to read Calebs story!
December 24, 2010
Really enjoyed this book, the only thing that kpt it from being a 5 star read, was the many times I wanted to smack the hero.
September 20, 2010
My favorite of the Billingham Bastards trilogy. I enjoyed it so much I had to get the others!
September 23, 2010
This is another great book from Jenna I loved it from start to finish. This book is so emotional Rhys and Anne are so made for each other loved it
March 22, 2011
I love books where the hero has his tightly leashed passion just under the surface and some tiny thing will unleash it.
I was surprised I liked it.
I was surprised I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews